A Bailey bridge connecting Sahamphung Block with Kamjong headquarters was destroyed in a suspected IED blast, cutting off over 10 villages as police launched an investigation.
Ukhrul, July 22: A vital Bailey bridge connecting Sahamphung Block with the Kamjong district headquarters in Manipur was destroyed in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast late Tuesday night, severing road access to more than 10 border villages and prompting a police investigation.
The explosion occurred at around 10:30 pm on the bridge spanning the Namban River between Phange and Chatric Khunou villages in Kamjong district. The bridge, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), served as the only road link connecting Sahamphung Block with the district headquarters.
No casualties have been reported in the incident.
According to local sources, unidentified miscreants also set ablaze a Telecom Department Bolero pickup vehicle parked near the bridge. The vehicle was reportedly heading towards Chatric before it was targeted.
The destruction of the bridge has left residents of more than 10 villages isolated from Kamjong headquarters, disrupting access to markets, healthcare facilities, government services and the movement of essential supplies.
Investigators who examined the site reportedly found materials believed to be residue from the assembly of the explosive devices scattered on a blue plastic tarpaulin near the damaged structure. Officials are examining the evidence to determine the nature of the explosives used in the attack.
Local villagers have alleged that armed Kuki militants were behind the blast, claiming the attack was intended to isolate the area and disrupt movement. However, no militant group has claimed responsibility, and authorities have not officially identified those responsible.
According to Stephen LM, the 70-year-old headman of Chahong Khunou village, there are no inhabited settlements between Kamjong town and the blast site except Phaimol, a Kuki village that was destroyed during the ongoing ethnic violence. Based on the terrain and the location, local leaders believe the perpetrators may have approached the bridge through the dense hills and riverine forest paths leading from the deserted Phaimol area, allowing them to reach the site without being detected. Authorities have not officially confirmed this account, and the police investigation is continuing.
Police have registered a suo motu case at Chassad (CSD) Police Station, and an investigation is underway. Security personnel and forensic teams later cordoned off the area to secure the blast site and collect evidence. Officials are expected to examine chemical residues and other materials recovered from the scene as part of the investigation.
Community leaders said the destruction of the bridge has created an immediate humanitarian and logistical challenge for residents who depend on the route for education, healthcare, trade and administrative services.
Authorities have not announced when restoration work on the damaged bridge will begin, while security agencies continue efforts to identify those responsible for the attack.
